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3d ago

Radio Free Asia to Halt All News Operations Friday as Shutdown Drags On

Rights advocates warn the pause will widen China’s control over information in closed regions.

FILE - A woman walks past the empty receptionist desk at Radio Free Asia, April 1, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)
A sign for the Burmese-language service in the offices of Radio Free Asia is displayed, following the termination of funding for RFA, which broadcasts in nine Asian languages, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order gutting the government-funded media outlet's parent and six other federal agencies, in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 15, 2025. REUTERS/Staff/File Photo
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Kari Lake | Getty Images

Overview

  • RFA says it will stop all content production on Friday, begin closing overseas bureaus, formally lay off remaining staff and issue severance to furloughed employees.
  • The move follows steep funding cuts ordered by President Trump in March and a prolonged federal shutdown that delayed new fiscal-year money.
  • It is the outlet’s first complete stoppage since its 1996 launch after earlier reductions that already paused Tibetan, Burmese, Uyghur and English services.
  • Tibetan exile leader Penpa Tsering reports an information void in Tibet, while RFA says China has increased Uyghur- and Tibetan-language broadcasts on vacated signals.
  • Sister broadcasters are strained as well, with Voice of America largely halted and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty continuing on reserves after European support.